Mixed-use right medicine for old hospital?

Cook County Board commissioners in Chicago are debating the fate of the venerable Cook County Hospital, which was replaced last year by a new 1.2 million-sq.-ft. facility next door. The original Beaux-Arts building, which opened in 1914 and served generations of immigrants, is to be torn down at the end of the year. But preservationists this week floated a plan to convert the structure to a mixed-use residential/retail development. The proposal includes 300 units of residential space, including possible senior living units, and a 90,000-sq.-ft. health club. Though the plan has support among some board members, it has no developer. The board takes a final vote next week.